Adam,Actually, I feel quite comfortable about the £13,000 spend in Cannes, South of France by two very capable Hounslow Councillors including Peter Thompson the Leader. Their serious minded natures and conscientious endeavours wouldn't be distracted by topless women on the nearby beach or the champagne cocktails at the Carlton Hotel I don't suppose. The "party" of three had a big mission..to network, so I understand, with key people with a view to bringing property investment ideas into Hounslow (to plug the hole in the Town Centre perhaps.)And no doubt if the budgeted amount of £13,000 was not all spent, I'm sure the balance would have been returned.Being responsible for Hounslow's annual £600,000,000+ spend (or 3 billion in 5 years)(a £3 billion pile in £50 notes reaching the 29,000 feet top of Mt Everest)..breathe..the three have a challenging task to get things done for Hounslow and to get it right.oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooWikipedia's MIPIM entry reads thus:MIPIM is a market for international property trade. It takes place annually in Cannes, France in March. In 2004, MIPIM attracted 15,157 participants from 67 countries.In 2005 there were 1,903 exhibiting companies spread over 17,000 sq. m and representing 67 countries, which translated into a 6% rise in the number of participants and a 12% rise in the number of end-users and investors present at the market.MIPIM is designed for senior-level decision makers within the real estate market who want to develop business within their domestic and international markets.It is a global marketplace that gives people the opportunity to connect with key players in the industry, from investors to end-users and local governments to international corporations. ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooKnowing that Ken Livington spent £40,000,000 on Consultants to study the feasibilty of the Ealing /Acton tramway...a ridiculous scheme that would have cost £650,000,000 to build..a £13,000 trip to MIPIM sounds good common sense to me...particularly noting who went.In contrast, trips to political conferences should be paid for by delegates themselves surely..or by the political party. If Ruth Cadbury spent 25% of her Conference time grabbing the ear of important ministers..fine...pay her 25% of the cost. But £400? from us?We know that speaking to BAA, BA, the Unions, Mrs Keen, Mr Keen, and the Government must be a frustrating job when the Heathrow NOs are being fobbed off. Conferences might be a handy introduction. But what's the point when ones MP is going to vote AGAINST the deemed majority wishes of the community. Let's have the money back..and give it to worthy causes.
Jim Lawes ● 6165d